At the start of the EUROPEAN YOUTH FOOTBALL TOUR 2026 over Easter in Croatia and Spain, more than 15,000 players from over 33 nations combined to experience soccer together in five tournaments, to compete in sports and to create international matches.

A total of over 600 teams at the Trofeo  Mediterráneo, the Copa Santa and the Copa Maresme in Spain and the Istria Cup and the Girls-Football-Festival in Croatia.

Emotional openings as a starting signal for unforgettable tournaments

The opening ceremonies already set a special example: The tournaments were officially opened with music, team entries and big applause. In Croatia in particular, the historic amphitheatre in Pula provided an exceptional setting, which made the start a real highlight for many teams.

The moment when players arrive with their flags symbolizes the entire tournament: diversity, community and the joy of soccer.

Spain: International diversity and soccer at a high level

The Spanish tournaments — Trofeo Mediterráneo, Copa Santa and Copa Maresme — offered intensive youth soccer across all ages. Different playing styles, international matches and a high level of sport characterized the matches.

From combination games to intensive, contested games, the tournaments offered everything that distinguishes youth soccer. In addition to sporting competition, the focus was always on fair play and respectful treatment.

Croatia: The Istria Cup as a special tournament highlight

A central highlight of the Easter tournaments was the Istria Cup in Medulin. Teams from many nations met in a unique environment right on the Adriatic coast and experienced a tournament that combines sporting intensity with a special atmosphere.

The games were characterized by great commitment, exciting encounters and many emotional moments. At the same time, the Istria Cup offered teams the opportunity to gain new experience in an international environment, to exchange ideas with other soccer cultures and to get in touch with each other beyond the sporting competition.

It was precisely this combination of sporting quality and international exchange that made the Istria Cup one of the defining tournaments in the entire Easter series.

Girls-Football-Festival: A strong sign

The tournament program was supplemented by the girls' football festival also in Medulin, which specifically focused on girls' soccer. In a special environment full of respect, fairness and community, players from different nations were able to show their skills and at the same time set a strong signal for visibility and development in girls' and women's soccer.

More than soccer: Encounters that connect

In addition to sporting events, the focus was on one thing in particular: international exchange. players, Trainers and volunteers from over 30 nations came together, shared experiences, learned from each other and grew together as a community.

Football thus became a common language — regardless of origin, club or nation.

A strong conclusion

The start of the EUROPEAN YOUTH FOOTBALL TOUR 2026 impressively demonstrated the power of youth soccer: It connects people, creates international matches and leaves memories that go far beyond the playing field.

Two weeks, five tournaments, thousands of games — and countless stories that remain.

Anyone who was there takes emotions home with them.
If you were not there, you have the chance to be part of this experience next time.